by Cynthia Cruz
| September, 15, 2019
Amazing food, an exciting music scene, tons of culture and a hip vibe – Austin, Texas has it all! This vibrant city is a mere 3-hour flight from the Bay Area. You can hop on an early flight and be there by early afternoon – and don’t forget you gain 2 hours when you land, giving you more time to enjoy your stay; if you arrive in the afternoon on Day 1 and depart in the afternoon on Day 3, you’ll get to enjoy two full days exploring this lively city. September through November is the best time to visit, as the hot summer months ease into cooler more comfortable temperatures.
Now owned and operated by Hyatt, this historic hotel opened its doors in 1886 and maintains much of its old charm with all of the comforts and amenities of a modern Hyatt hotel. It is the oldest operating hotel in Austin and has the notable distinction of having been a favorite hot spot of Lyndon B. and Lady Bird Johnson back in their heyday.
As the only hotel on 6th Street, The Driskill will put you in the heart of downtown within short distance to the festivities and exciting nightlife of famous 6th Street, the Texas State Capitol building, Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs, the Rainey Street Historic District and tons of restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and music venues.
Check out Zilker Park and stroll through Zilker Botanical Garden, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum or go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool, a three-acre pool fed by underwater springs.
Next, head over to South Congress for a little shopping. This area, nicknamed SoCo, is a cool shopping destination with lots of eclectic boutiques, vintage shops, and galleries.
Rest up and refresh before a delicious dinner at the Driskill Grill where Chef Cody Leonard gets creative with his delicious offerings. The menu has several items that will pique your curiosity, but do not miss the crawfish & corn soup adorned with a crispy crawfish hushpuppy floating in creamy sweet-savory soup. The Wagyu beef tartar and the Wagyu hangar steak are stellar. If you have room for dessert, their famous chocolate cake will knock your socks off. This is one of the best restaurants in town.
After dinner, dance off those calories and check out the party scene on 6th Street. This street is closed to traffic, and the music and cocktails are flowing out of every venue. Dance the night away to whatever music you’re in the mood for – there’s something for everyone. It’s walking distance from the hotel, so when you’re ready to call it a night, your pillow is only steps away.
Start your day the way locals do by feasting on a breakfast taco. It’s a thing in Austin and there are lots of restaurants that serve up their own takes of this local favorite – Guero’s and Taco Deli are popular spots nearby.
Then, explore Lady Bird Lake and the surrounding area. You can stroll or bike along the 10-mile trail which winds along the lake’s waters. Or rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a view of the Austin skyline from the water. Afterwards, have a cocktail and a bite to eat at one of the cool bungalows turned bar/restaurant or food trucks along Rainey Street. Don’t miss Little Lucy’s, an adorable pink truck serving mini doughnuts hot & fresh in all sorts of yummy flavors!
Finish off the evening with a live music crawl with Austin Detours (austindetours.com). A local musician/tour guide will pick you up in an air-conditioned bus and take you to a variety of off-the-beaten-path music venues like the Saxon Pub and the Skylark Lounge. Have a few cocktails and listen to original music at each spot – it’s a blast!
Wake up bright & early and start the day off with breakfast at the 1886 Café & Bakery located within the Driskill. The bakery turns out some delicious and decadent treats, from classic Eggs Benedict to huge cinnamon rolls and heavenly scones.
Before you leave the city, take a 10-minute walk to the Capitol Building and pick up a free tour pamphlet at the Capitol Visitor’s Center and take a self-guided tour through the grounds and the largest capitol building in the United States. Free guided 30-minute tours start at 8:30 am on weekdays and 9:30 am on weekends.
The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
driskillhotel.com
